Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON December 2, 1963
Full News Archive
- Headline: Italian Bishops Stand Against Political Crisis. Impact: The resistance of these bishops to a vote on freedom ultimately sowed seeds for greater debates in the future, leading to the rise of βFreedom Fridaysββan event where everyone just talks about freedom while simultaneously doing nothing about it.. Fact: Did you know that bishops can resist a vote but still can't resist a good wine? It's all about priorities, I guess..
- Headline: Elizabeth Leads Memorial for President Kennedy. Impact: This memorial service not only solidified the legacy of JFK but also inspired a slew of memorial services that would eventually make 'memorializing' a competitive sportβcomplete with medals for the best speeches.. Fact: Queen Elizabeth leading a prayer just shows that even royalty can get caught up in the emotional whirlwind of politics. And you thought your family gatherings were dramatic!.
- Headline: Keating Urges Election Of 2 Vice Presidents. Impact: This suggestion launched a wild theory that having two vice presidents would create a power struggle so intense that it would lead to America's very own version of the Hunger Gamesβonly instead of tributes, we had vice presidents fighting for relevance.. Fact: Imagine the debates: 'Vice President 1, what are your thoughts on the economy?' 'Vice President 2, how about you just agree with me?' A democracy at its finest!.
- Headline: Brezhnev Is Seen As Likely Premier After Khrushchev; Many Are Unknowns BREZHNEV IS SEEN AS PREMIER'S HEIR Responsibility Discussed. Impact: Brezhnev's rise to power was like a game of musical chairs, but instead of music, it was more like the sound of political backstabbing. This led to decades of tension, all because someone forgot to bring a chair to the party.. Fact: Brezhnev had a penchant for mustaches that could rival any 70s porn star. Truly, his leadership style was as memorable as his facial hair..
- Headline: U.S. Aides Favor Efforts To End Soviet-China Rift; Back Moscow's Move to Resume Talks on Ideological Dispute--Delegates Clash at Warsaw Conference U.S. AIDES FAVOR END OF RED RIFT Prevailing View Noted. Impact: The U.S. aidesβ push to mend the Soviet-China rift accidentally led to a series of awkward dinners where world leaders tried way too hard to bond over shared dislike of sushi. Spoiler: Nobody was happy.. Fact: Nothing says 'we want peace' like a dinner where you pretend to enjoy each other's company while secretly wishing you were at home watching Netflix..
- Headline: Week's Vote In Senate. Impact: This Senate vote was like watching a slow-motion train wreck. The aftermath of the failed amendments led to even more funding cuts, inspiring a whole new genre of sad country songs about government spending.. Fact: Senate votes: where they pretend to care about national interests while really just voting based on who brought the best donuts to the meeting..
- Headline: Russian Believed Executed By Gestapo Is Found Alive. Impact: The discovery of this soldier alive sparked wild conspiracy theories about the Gestapo's incompetence. It also led to a resurgence of 'spy thrillers' in literature, giving rise to the genre where everyone suddenly knew how to dodge bullets.. Fact: The fact that this soldier was believed dead but was actually alive just goes to show: always check twice before you file a death certificate!.
- Headline: ALBERT ABANDONS RIGHTS BILL HOPE; Majority Leader of House Sees No Passage in '63 High Johnson Priority Other Urgent Bills Cellar to Seek Action. Impact: Albert's pessimism over the rights bill not passing led to a surge of grassroots activismβbecause nothing motivates people more than a politician giving up. Itβs like throwing a party and saying nobody will show upβeveryone suddenly wants to prove you wrong.. Fact: When a politician says 'no chance,' itβs basically an invitation for the rest of us to roll up our sleeves and get to workβthanks for the motivation, Albert!.
Wall Street Time Machine
MO
Philip Morris
Philip Morris - If you invested $1,000 in 1963, it would be worth $33,061,595 today (33061.6x return)
DIS
Disney
Disney - If you invested $1,000 in 1963, it would be worth $2,434,960 today (2435.0x return)
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1963, it would be worth $387,746 today (387.7x return)